10 Highlights of Duterte’s SONA 2017

On July 24, President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), a speech delivered by the President of the Philippines to present the “economical, political, and social” condition of the country before the congress and the people. This event is broadcasted in major TV networks of the country, in which the President also summarizes his accomplishments and lays future plans in his administration.

In his SONA, Duterte talked about important points that the government has accomplished in the past year and what it still needs to address.

Here are 10 highlights of his SONA 2017.

The appeal to legislators to pass the Land Use Act or NALUA

One of the first few points Duterte mentioned in his SONA is the Land Use Act, which ensures the sustainable use of land by instituting planning mechanisms to evaluate land use. With this, there will be a smart allocation of natural resources consistent with the principle of sustainable development.

A call to craft on authority to response to 21st century conditions

Duterte also called on the House of Representatives, to craft a law establishing a new department empowered to deliver enhanced disaster resiliency and quick disaster response.

The establishment of 8888 – Citizen’s Complaint Hotline

It was in 2016 when the Duterte administration put up a public hotline facility where people can air their grievances or complains against the government. By this hotline, the people now have an avenue to provide feedback on numerous issues, such as slow government processing, discourteous staff, and other concerns.

Also in 2016, the Philippines adapted the K to 12 program, covering 13 years of basic education in the Philippines from Kindergarten to Grade 3, Grades 4 to 6, Junior High School and Senior High School. In addition to that, Duterte mentioned in his speech the widened reach of skills training and increased number of out-of-school children and youth who have availed of the Alternative Learning System.

When it comes to the health sector, Duterte ensured that Filipinos are given equitable access to quality and affordable health services. In this policy, “no other fees shall be charged or be paid for by the indigent patients above and beyond the packaged rates during their confinement period.” Duterte also mentioned the expanded health insurance coverage and benefits done by his administration.

E.O. 26: Smoking Ban in Public and Enclosed Places

One of the most recent orders signed by Duterte is the smoking ban, which prohibits smokers to smoke in certain public spaces. “We want to minimize access to tobacco products, and provide a more supportive environment for those who are attempting to quit tobacco use,” he said.

For the improved internet connectivity in the Philippines, Duterte’s cabinet approved the National Broadband Plan of 2017 which works to bring affordable internet access to every community and improve broadband connectivity in the Philippines. Also recently, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) launched a Free Wi-Fi along EDSA for public use.

With regard to sea connectivity, 15 brand new Ro-Ro vessels were launched to traverse major routes in the country. The ASEAN Ro-Ro Shipping Route was also opened, connecting the ports of Davao and General Santos, and Philippines to Indonesia. Duterte also mentioned the modernized ports of General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga.

Duterte also directed the Metro Manila Development Authority and local government units in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu to ensure the free flow of traffic, and clear the roads of unnecessary obstructions, such as parked vehicles on streets. “Violators shall be penalized regardless of stature,” said Duterte.

Responsible, regulated, and sustainable environment as priority

In his SONA, Duterte warned all mining operators and contractors to refrain from doing irresponsible destruction of natural resources. Duterte also emphasized the non-negotiable policy to protect and preserve the environment as the priority by holding all mining companies to restore and rehabilitate all areas damaged by mining activities.

The Comprehensive Tax Reform Program of 2017

As one of Duterte’s priority reforms, the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) was implemented, that address the problems of the previous tax system by “reducing personal income tax, simplifying estate and donor’s taxes, expanding the Value Added Tax, and increasing oil and automobile excise taxes.”